Problem being addressed
Many infections result from improper umbilical cord care and wound treatment, especially in regions such as southeast Asia and Africa where home births are common. The SafeSnip device makes umbilical cord disposal safer, easier, and more sanitary.
Detailed description of the solution
SafeSnip is a three-inch plastic disposable and degradable device that cuts, seals, and disinfects umbilical cords in a simple, one-step procedure. SafeSnip breaks in to two after being used to cut the cord such that one half of the device remains clamped onto the baby's umbilical cord to seal the wound while the other can be discarded. Its symmetric design and multiple safety features minimize misuse and shorten the delivery process. It would also retail for under $1, offering an inexpensive yet effective means for safe umbilical cord severance in developing nations.
Designed by
- Designed by: Graduate students at Tulane University (William Kethman, Bryan Molter, Stephanie Roberts and Mark Young) as well an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, David Rice.
- Production: It is now being manufactured by NOvate Medical Technologies, LLC. Website available here.
- Manufacturing: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
When and where it was tested/implemented
This device was tested in 2008.
Funding Sources
- National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance ($500)
- NOvate Medical Technologies
- Tulane University
- Wal-Mart Foundation ($5000)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Goundation/Saving Lives at Birth ($250,000)
References
Internally generated reports
Brannon, K. (2009). Students’ Invention Aids Safe Childbirth. Link available here.
Externally generated reports
NOvate: Cutting the Cord. (n.d.). Wake Forest Elevator Competition. Retrieved December 26, 2012. Link available here.
SafeSnip: cuts, clamps, and shields umbilical cords from infection. (2012, May 16). Saving Lives at Birth: A Grand Challenge for Development. Retrieved December 26, 2012. Link available here.
SafeSnip. (n.d.). Maternal and Neonatal Directed Assessment of Technology. Retrieved December 26, 2012. Link available here.
SafeSnip for umbilical cord. (2011). Maternova. Link available here.
IP and copyright
The patent belongs to William Kethman, Bryan Molter, Stephanie Roberts, Mark Young, and David Rice of Tulane University.